If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Reply to Thread

Your Message

Please correctly re-type the phrase f o o t d o c t o r in the form box. Re-type it without the extra spaces and put the one space where it should be. We apologize for having to do this but this silliness helps slow the spammers.

Title:

Additional Options

Additional Options:

Automatically parse links in text

Topic Review (Newest First)

09-27-2008, 08:07 PM

BG

Is it possible? Buy a 135 with automatic?

I guess it is possible, but it sure would take a big part of the fun out of such a nimble and quick and sporty car. Don't let someone convince you you need an auto with the lame, "If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you need an automatic." The other respondent was correct that with a lot of torque in a light car, you don't need to shift all that often in many circumstances. Seattle is fabulous terrain for a manual, and once you get into the Cascades or Olympics, the fun factor would go way up. Once you get to eastern Washington, you put it in 6th gear and go - that's such a challenge?

09-27-2008, 12:40 PM

Stinger9

You gotta know yourself that a manual is

so so much more fun! Even if an auto is just as fast, there's nothing like sticking it in a gear and letting the engine pull. Don't get caught at a weak moment and do something you'll regret.
Unless you drive in mucho stop and go, getting caught a few times in traffic is something easily lived thru. I live in NYC and love my six speed.

08-19-2008, 07:49 AM

seapbmw

Re: Steptronic v. Automatic on 135 Convertible....

Go for the manual. I have driven both and also a model with the paddle shifters. I liked the paddles (compared to my 2004 3 series with an early version SMG) but the manual is even quicker.

08-18-2008, 01:15 AM

FloydR

Re: Steptronic v. Automatic on 135 Convertible.....

My son has a 335i with manual. Because of the torque, you can get by just leaving it in a gear where the revs are at least 1500.

Note that the auto with the turbo engine is the ZF tranny which shifts faster than the GM in the lesser models.

08-17-2008, 06:38 PM

speed_demon

Steptronic v. Automatic on 135 Convertible.....

I went up to BMW Seattle to test drive a MZ4 -- but really didn't see a huge difference from my 2006 3.0si. However, I did test drive a 135 that I thought was great. The only problem is that all of the 1-series cars at BMW Seattle have automatic. I've had three roadsters -- all manual, and one 3-series that was automatic. I really didn't like it in the 3-series. The steptronic I test drove seemed pretty quick...but I didn't get to test drive the manuals. It would be easier in city driving not to have to shift of the time. I don't want to buy a steptronic and regret it. Anybody out there who has driven both have an opinion? thanks